Star forward Matthew Taberner has committed to Fremantle until at least the end of the 2024 season after signing a three-year contract extension.
A key forward who kicked 29 goals from 16 games in 2020, Taberner was coming out of contract at the end of the 2021 season and could have explored his options as an unrestricted free agent.
Freo are looking to build a forward line around the 27-year-old as they chase a return to finals, with Taberner named in the 2020 40-man All Australian squad.
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Overlooked in his draft year as a 17-year-old, Taberner was given the opportunity to train with Fremantle ahead of the 2013 season, where he impressed and was added to the club’s rookie list.
He showed glimpses of his potential through injury-interrupted seasons between 2017 and 2019 before it all came together in his successful 2020 campaign.
Taberner said he was excited to keep playing alongside the emerging talent on Freo’s list.
“I’m stoked. It’s great that Fremantle have showed the faith in me. It’s where I started my career, I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’m really looking forward to the next few years,” Taberner said.
“We are looking to play finals football, and I’m really confident with the group we’ve got at the moment.
“We’ve got a nice young demographic, with both plenty of talent and plenty of improvement in us. It will be exciting.”
Taberner kicked three goals in round one against Melbourne and, according to the AFL’s official player rating system, played a career best game.
Taberner said the numbers didn’t tell the full story as he looks to improve significantly for round two against GWS on Sunday at Optus Stadium.
“Personally, I wasn’t great, and we’re looking to really redeem ourselves this week against GWS,” Taberner said.
“I think we just need to focus on the basics. It was expected, as our first game of the year, that both teams would be a bit rusty.
“Melbourne handled it a lot better than us and we’ll be looking to play some good football this week.”
Head of player personnel David Walls said Taberner’s three-year deal illustrates the level of commitment he’d had to the Club for the past nine years.
“Matthew would have been an unrestricted free agent, so he would have had options to move had he wanted to. It’s great that he’s committed to us,” Walls said.
“He had a great season last year where he was named in the 40-man All Australian squad as a key forward.
“It’s obviously an area we’re looking to grow in, so it’s great to have Tabs commit. He’s showed the faith back to the club.
“At 27, he’ll be coming into his prime. He’s looked after his body, he’s been a super professional and couldn’t be fitter or stronger.
“Additionally, we would like to thank his management team at Andrew McDougall at Corporate Sports Australia, for their cooperation in squaring away the recent contract signings with Taberner and Heath Chapman.”
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